English Vocabulary: tests and tasks

Abstract

Studies show that native English speaking undergraduates are considered to have a vocabulary level of around 17,000 - 20,000 words (Goulden et al, 1990). Pilot studies at HKU suggest that many incoming students to this university have English vocabulary levels below 5,000 words; and some know fewer than 3,000.

Research has indicated that vocabulary learning is closely correlated with language competence, particularly reading performance (Laufer, 1997) and the ability to comprehend academic texts is a fundamental part of academic study. In an ideal world, taught courses could focus on developing students' vocabulary levels. There is, however, not enough time to include a substantial word learning component in English enhancement programs. It is simply not feasible to increase class time for English due to students' busy schedules with their other academic studies at tertiary level.

One solution is to take vocabulary learning out of the classroom and direct students to web based resources, specifically designed for Chinese learners of English at tertiary level. This project focuses on assessing the vocabulary levels of incoming students to Hong Kong and then identifying which types of tasks are most effective in on-line learning. Based on the research, a range of self-learning web based vocabulary materials is being developed to help learners increase their academic word level. Recommendations will be made regarding teaching academic and discipline-specific lexis and assisting students to increase their vocabulary in their own time and at their own pace.